International Day of Forests

The United Nations General Assembly declared the International Day of Forests to be held every year on March 21st, starting in 2012. This day is an opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of forests, emphasizing their role in the environment, economy, and society. Countries are encouraged to take local, national, and international actions to recognize the many ways forests benefit us, from providing food to combating climate change.

The theme for 2025’s International Day of Forests is ‘Food and Forests’, which highlights the essential role forests play in food security, nutrition, and livelihoods. Not only do forests provide food, but they also offer fuel, income, and employment for many people, protect vital water resources, and help maintain soil fertility. Forests are also critical for biodiversity, supporting ecosystems that are home to thousands of species. They are vital for the survival of forest-dependent communities and contribute to climate change mitigation by storing carbon.

Did You Know?

• Over 2 billion people rely on wood and other fuels for cooking. Woodfuel has been a source of energy since ancient times and continues to serve as an essential energy source for rural households.
• Forests are crucial for agriculture. They support farming by providing homes for pollinators, keeping the soil healthy, retaining water, offering food and shade for livestock, and acting as natural wind barriers for crops.
• Forests support rural incomes and boost nutrition. In some regions, forests provide up to 20% of the income for rural households, enabling better access to nutrition and diverse diets, especially for the poorest families.
• Forests serve as food safety nets in times of crisis. During shocks like failed harvests or conflicts, forests provide crucial support by diversifying incomes and securing food. They act as a buffer for communities when traditional food sources are disrupted.

Paper Loves Trees

Many industries depend on forests for resources, and the paper industry is no exception. The paper industry depends on forests to provide a reliable supply of wood fiber, the key raw material for paper products. However, it’s essential to note that the paper industry supports and promotes sustainable forest management, ensuring that forests are managed in ways that benefit both people and the environment.

In fact, sustainably managed forests bring multiple benefits to society, such as providing livelihoods, supporting biodiversity, and offering critical ecosystem services. The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®), and other certification organizations help to ensure that forests are responsibly managed and that their resources are harvested in an environmentally friendly way.

In North America, forests are not only a source of timber for paper production but also vital to the economy. In the U.S., forest area grows by the equivalent of 1,200 football fields every day and Canada leads the world in third-party sustainable forest certification. Sustainable forest management practices help to ensure that these valuable resources continue to thrive for future generations.

How Can You Celebrate the International Day of Forests?

You can participate in the International Day of Forests by raising awareness and engaging in activities that promote the importance of forests in your community. Here are some ideas for how to celebrate:

• Enter the Forest and Foods Photo Contest: Capture the beauty of forests and share photos or videos on social media, highlighting how forests support food security and livelihoods.
• Use Social Media to Spread the Word: Share forest facts, animations, logos, and banners to spread awareness. You can also join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #ForestDay.
• Attend Local Events: Look for local activities like tree plantings, art exhibitions, symposiums, and photo competitions celebrating forests and their role in our lives.
• Organize Your Own Event: Host or participate in community clean-up efforts, tree planting, or educational workshops about the benefits of forests.
• Share Your Celebration: If you attend an event, tag @LovePaperNA on social media and share your celebration with others!

The Role of Paper in a Sustainable Future

At Two Sides North America and LovePaper, we are passionate about the environmental benefits of paper and paper products when sourced sustainably. Paper products, when made from responsibly managed forests, offer a renewable, recyclable alternative to many other materials, supporting the health of forests and the environment.

Join us this March 21st to celebrate the International Day of Forests and learn more about how forests and paper go hand-in-hand in creating a sustainable future. By supporting sustainable paper products and advocating for responsible forest management, we can ensure forests continue to provide essential resources while helping protect the planet.

You can find out more interesting forestry facts on our Fact Sheet page here: https://twosidesna.org/two-sides-fact-sheet

Sources:

1. UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 2020
2. https://www.un.org/en/observances/forests-day